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Transformer help (USA amp)


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Step down transformer from ebay (obvb down to 110V)....

I have one for my Peavey Classic 50/50 Poweramp (US volatage) but because it's a 500w poweramp I needed a transformer of at least 500w, pref more - so my transformer is a hefty 850w capacity.

So firstly, determine the maximum power consumption of the amp (in Watts) and then find on eBay a transformer of at least 100w more than this...

My transformer is quite large, and weighs a massive 8Kg.... so you aren't looking at little plug adapters here!

Price wise you are looking at 40-80 for the transformer and weight of 4-8kg. These are annoying to take with your amp - mine isn't because I have the poweramp rack mounted and the transformer shelf mounted on the rack below it - it's pretty heavy though!!

Hope that helps....

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Step down transformer from ebay (obvb down to 110V)....

I have one for my Peavey Classic 50/50 Poweramp (US volatage) but because it's a 500w poweramp I needed a transformer of at least 500w, pref more - so my transformer is a hefty 850w capacity.

So firstly, determine the maximum power consumption of the amp (in Watts) and then find on eBay a transformer of at least 100w more than this...

My transformer is quite large, and weighs a massive 8Kg.... so you aren't looking at little plug adapters here!

Price wise you are looking at 40-80 for the transformer and weight of 4-8kg. These are annoying to take with your amp - mine isn't because I have the poweramp rack mounted and the transformer shelf mounted on the rack below it - it's pretty heavy though!!

Hope that helps....

Thanks Doc yeah it does help.

When I find out shipping costs I'll see how worthwhile this is! :up:

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oh i should mention that the hrz difference between the 2 countries isn't an issue, some people may try to tell you that tube amps will have a weird buzzing sound because of the 50-60hrz difference but this will not be audible if it is at all present... so ignore that potential problem!....

here's some eBay transformers to get you started:

800w - The model I have

Another 800w, lighter weight

300w - cheap and light but might not be enough overhead

You must find the technical specifications of the amp to find the total wattage requirement... you might notice the Peavey poweramp is "50/50" which means stereo 50watts = 100w total..

This is NOT the wattage the amp requires and so a 100w transformer will be DANGEROUS to use with it, my amp is 500w so double check that you know the power requirements of the amp you are buying and that you have a transformer that puts out more than that, using a transformer with less capacity is simply dangerous to the equipment and you!

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oh i should mention that the hrz difference between the 2 countries isn't an issue, some people may try to tell you that tube amps will have a weird buzzing sound because of the 50-60hrz difference but this will not be audible if it is at all present... so ignore that potential problem!....

here's some eBay transformers to get you started:

800w - The model I have

Another 800w, lighter weight

300w - cheap and light but might not be enough overhead

You must find the technical specifications of the amp to find the total wattage requirement... you might notice the Peavey poweramp is "50/50" which means stereo 50watts = 100w total..

This is NOT the wattage the amp requires and so a 100w transformer will be DANGEROUS to use with it, my amp is 500w so double check that you know the power requirements of the amp you are buying and that you have a transformer that puts out more than that, using a transformer with less capacity is simply dangerous to the equipment and you!

Thanks for that info again Doc!

I'd go for the 800W to be safe. I'll check what peak power is for this head but I reckon the 800 would be what I'd go for for the safety.

New amp???

Quite possibly. Just need to calculate shipping and see if it's worthwhile :D

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even when sending it as a gift they have to put less than 25 of a value on it... and for insurance purposes they won't do this. Other option is saying it's a gift intended for personal use only not for resale but then they check bank accounts etc to make sure no money has been transfered from you to them by any means..

Depending on how old the amp you get is... decides whether a step down is needed. A guy Maxi pointed me towards can tweek the existing transformer (not sure how but he did explain it to me) to accept UK supply. If like in my case this isn't possible then an external one will be needed which is a fucking pain and weights a tonne haha. But at least it means i can use my Urban Camo 5150.... yas min!!

Ooka

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Make sure your transformer is properly grounded. I bought a cheap transformer from Maplin for my Mesa and was lucky not to get electrocuted by my mic. Everytime I pressed into the mic to sing, I was endangering my life. Scary.

My girlfriend's parents obviously like me cos they bought me a grounded one and I've not come close to death since. Aye, it's a heavy beast, but the amp is worth it.

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Make sure your transformer is properly grounded. I bought a cheap transformer from Maplin for my Mesa and was lucky not to get electrocuted by my mic. Everytime I pressed into the mic to sing, I was endangering my life. Scary.

My girlfriend's parents obviously like me cos they bought me a grounded one and I've not come close to death since. Aye, it's a heavy beast, but the amp is worth it.

Oh this amp certainly will be. All necessary precautions will be taken don't worry!

Anyone for a Powerball?

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dude, might be worth getting the amp's own power transformer checked to see if its possible to re-wire it for 240V's.

On my home made 18w head it's possible to wire the power transformer for 115-120V's or 240V's. it is just a case of wiring the primary windings is series for 240 and in parallel for 120. would save having to carry a second transformer about!!

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dude, might be worth getting the amp's own power transformer checked to see if its possible to re-wire it for 240V's.

On my home made 18w head it's possible to wire the power transformer for 115-120V's or 240V's. it is just a case of wiring the primary windings is series for 240 and in parallel for 120. would save having to carry a second transformer about!!

that's what he said!! But my auld amp canna be converted this way... bugger.

She ain't finished yet and i have added the black corner protectors since this but ye get the idea...

DSCI0026.jpg

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It is definately possible for some amps internal transformers to be rewired for accepting a UK voltage (something about wiring from parallel to series of vice-versa) but you will almost certainly want this done by a professional, and it's not possible on all amps.

This actually might be a better option for you because you won't need to huff a 4kg transformer around with the amp - and it won't cost much more. I use a transformer because it sits perfectly in my rack without being a pest - but I reckon I'd be well worth finding a specialist who can check if you can reconfigure the amp's transformer....

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me and bazz got this guy to do it. he is cheap, and is the only approved mesa specialist in scotland. he also builds some fantastic amps. he also does a lot of tweaking on the amp with stuff that i have no idea about, but it makes it sound better

Home - Preamplifiers, amps for professional musicians, recording studios - Emerson Williams

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